Toyota has unveiled its highly anticipated fourth-generation 2024 Alphard/Vellfire luxury minivan, putting an end to months of anticipation, spy shots, and leaks. The new lineup includes a special Welcab 'accessibility' version, aligning with the company's commitment to "mobility for all."
The latest Alphard and Vellfire models showcase Toyota's 'Forceful x IMPACT LUXURY' exterior design theme, inspired by the charging stance of a fighting bull. The designers achieved this look by incorporating dynamic irregularities that extend from the front to the back of the vehicles.
Both models are built on the minivan-optimized TNGA GA-K platform. To enhance rigidity by 50 percent compared to their predecessors, straight rockers, and a V-shaped brace have been implemented in the rear-lower section. The front suspension features MacPherson struts, while the rear suspension has been upgraded to a double-wishbone configuration with shock absorbers that mechanically adjust damping force based on road vibrations.
In a bid to reduce vibrations for second-row passengers, engineers have utilized rubber bushings in the cushion frames' attachment areas and incorporated memory foam in the backrests and armrests. Additional measures have been taken to minimize road surface vibrations experienced by occupants.
The cabin now offers increased space between the front and second-row seats by five mm, along with an additional 10 mm of space between the second and third rows. This results in enhanced passenger comfort regardless of seating position. To ensure convenience, the Super-Long Overhead Console in the center of the ceiling now houses lighting, switches, and air conditioning vents, enabling passengers to adjust lighting and open windows from their seats easily.
The Alphard and Vellfire introduce the innovative 'Universal Steps' feature on both sides of the sliding doors. When the side doors open, a step extends approximately 220 mm above the ground, reducing the height of the initial step for passengers entering or exiting the vehicle. Long assist grips designed for ease of use by individuals of all sizes are positioned on the C-pillars and both sides of the ceiling, ensuring comfortable entry and exit.
Toyota has equipped the Alphard and Vellfire with its Toyota Safety Sense suite, including Proactive Driving Assist features such as Intra-Lane Steering Assist, Deceleration Assist when Turning at Intersections, Advanced Park, and Advanced Drive.
The 2024 Alphard offers two trims, Z and Executive Lounge. The former provides two engine options: a carryover 2.5-liter gas engine from the previous generation with 176 hp, and a new Series Parallel Hybrid System featuring a 2.5-liter A25A-FXS engine. The conventional powertrain is paired with a Super Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT-i), while the hybrid model employs an electric CVT.
As for the 2024 Vellfire, it comes in two variants, Z Premier and Executive Lounge. The base model is equipped with a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine and a Direct-Shift eight-speed automatic transmission, while the hybrid version utilizes the same engine and transmission as the Alphard hybrid.
Toyota also introduces the Alphard G model, featuring a unique Welcab side lift-up tilt-seat design. The second-row seats lift and extend beyond the vehicle's side doors, facilitating easier ingress and egress for occupants. These seats can also tilt to assist passengers in standing up from a sitting position. Additionally, the lift-up seat incorporates a new seatbelt plate arm for easy access to the seatbelt and a remote-control holder for added convenience.
While the initial market launch for these models is in Japan, it is expected that the Alphard, Vellfire, and Welcab will reach other countries throughout the year. The exact timing for their introduction in the Philippines remains uncertain, but like the previous generation, it would most probably be the Alphard that will make it to our shores.
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